Not So Tall for Six

April 1, 2008
Gr 12-Coping with a bully while remaining true to oneself is the message of this tale. Kylie Bell is little, or, as she puts it, "the not-so-tallest one in first grade." Her family's motto has always been, "Brave and smart and big at heart." Meanie Rusty Jacks seems to tower over his classmates and picks on smaller students on the playground. Though Kylie is intimidated, she musters her courage and invites him to join her reading circle. Once Rusty no longer feels isolated, his scowl disappears and a more pleasant side of his nature emerges. The text has a definite Southwestern flair and uses words such as "oil gusher," "spooked horse," "cactus jelly," and "cowpokes." Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations in blue, gold, and rust show a spindly legged, pigtailed girl and her booted and bandana-ed nemesis. Purchase where additional books on bullying are needed."Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI"

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